An Assessment of Contextual Mediation in Trance States of Shamanic Journeys
James Houran, Rense Lange, Michelle Crist-Houran
Perceptual and Motor Skills August 1, 1997 DOI: 10.2466/pms.1997.85.1.59 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Shamanic journey experiences |
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Key findings | Experiential content of shamanic trances was consistent with contextual variables, with embedded cues correlating at r = .68. Trance states appear structured enough to suppress contextual effects on modality, suggesting content is not solely due to psychopathology, biochemistry, or culture. |
Abstract
30 experiences of shamanic journeys derived from Harner (1990) were analyzed based on a recent coding scheme for contextual variables proposed by Lange, Houran, Harte, and Havens. Consistent with previous research, the experiential content of the trances was quite consistent with the content of the available contextual variables, and embedded cues in particular ( r = .68, p < .001). As predicted, trance states of shamanic journeys are sufficiently structured to suppress contextual effects on the modality of experience. The findings suggest that the contents of shamanic trance are not solely influenced by psychopathology, biochemical effects, or cultural influences.